Lauren Lee - South Korea

This past summer, I had the opportunity to return to South Korea, my home country, for the first time in nearly five years. This experience allowed me to reunite with my family and engage in meaningful cross-institutional research in veterinary ophthalmology and clinical training in veterinary clinics uniquely shaped by the culture.

At Chungbuk National University, I shadowed in the ophthalmology clinic, attended laboratory meetings, and worked on a research project with one of Korea's limited number of veterinary ophthalmology specialists. I observed an advanced ophthalmic surgery that had never been attempted in Korea before, which deepened my appreciation for the growth of specialty medicine in the country. I also worked alongside ophthalmology residents and gained valuable insight into the Korean veterinary education system, which differs significantly in structure and work culture from the U.S., including the use of Ph.D. programs as a pathway to veterinary specialty training.

At Western Animal Medical Center, I shadowed clinicians in a private practice environment, where I observed firsthand the challenges veterinarians face in a different cultural setting. For instance, Korea has a highly advanced public healthcare system where human medical bills are often far lower than veterinary bills. As a result, many clients perceive veterinary costs as disproportionately high, are therefore less accepting of their necessity, and frequently request discounts. This dynamic has given rise to unique client communication tactics shaped by Korean cultural expectations, which I found both challenging and insightful to observe.

During my visit to Seoul National University, I was able to observe the clinical and research environment at Korea's top veterinary institution. Although strict restrictions limited hands-on experiences within the hospital, the experience gave me an opportunity to compare clinical protocols and imaging approaches with those I have learned at UC Davis.

Beyond the clinical and research components, this trip was deeply personal. Reuniting with my grandmother and extended family after years apart reminded me of the importance of cultural identity and belonging. I also became more aware of the cultural differences in veterinary medicine, particularly in attitudes toward euthanasia, specialty care, and client–veterinarian relationships.

Overall, this experience not only advanced my clinical and research skills in ophthalmology but also significantly broadened my cultural awareness. By bridging perspectives between the U.S. and Korea, I hope to continue contributing to international collaboration and advancing the One Health vision within veterinary medicine.